Birman Coat Color Panel (Bengal Coat Color + White Gloves)

Description

This coat color panel bundles together several genetic tests for cat coat colors plus a test for the Birman white gloving pattern and the Bengal charcoal coloration. This panel is valid only for the Birman breed and Birman crosses.

Panel can be purchased on MyVGL. See below for pricing and list of specific tests included in panel.

Turnaround time

At least 15 business days; may be delayed beyond 15 business days if sample requires additional testing, or a new sample is requested.

$57 per animal

Order Test

Tests in this Panel
Instructions

Agouti

The agouti signaling protein interacts with the melanocortin 1 receptor to switch between black and red pigments, creating a banding pattern in individual hairs. Mutations in the agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP) prevent this switch from occurring, resulting in hairs of uniform color.

Amber Coloration in Norwegian Forest Cats

In Norwegian Forest Cats, a recessive mutation in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene leads to the gradual replacement of black pigment in the coat with yellow pigment, producing the amber coloration.

Brown (Chocolate and Cinnamon)

Cats with brown gene variants have reduced amounts of black pigment and appear brownish in color.

Charcoal Pattern in Bengals

Charcoal Bengals sport an unusual coat marking of a darker face mask and dark thick dorsal stripe ("cape"). This “charcoal” pattern is produced by the combination of a domestic cat non-agouti variant and an Asian Leopard Cat agouti variant.

Colorpoint Restriction

Cats with colored 'points' have genetic mutations associated with temperature-sensitive pigment production. Pigment production is reduced in warmer areas of the body, leading to darker pigmentation in the cat's cooler extremities (paws, ears, etc.)

Dilute

Dilute is an autosomal recessive trait that causes clumping and uneven distribution of pigment granules in the hair shaft, producing dilution of all coat colors.

Gloves (Birman – White Feet)

Birman cats have clearly defined white feet ("gloves") as part of their breed standard. This characteristic gloving is caused by a variant in the KIT gene and is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Sample Collection:

Cat DNA tests are carried out using cells collected from your cat's cheeks and gums using household cotton swabs.

The cat DNA submission form with instructions and a place to tape the cotton swabs is sent to you via email after you place an order, and can be printed from your home computer. Test kits are not mailed.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1.

Person looking at different brands of cotton swabs in a store Purchase regular household cotton swabs for cat DNA collection (the cotton swabs can be purchased at a pharmacy or drug store)

2.

Label indicating both ends of the two cotton swabs Use both ends of the two cotton swabs for a total of four swabs.

3.

Demonstration of swabbing the inner cheek of a cat with a cotton swab Collect the DNA sample by swabbing the cheek and gums of the cat. Wave the swab in the air for 10-15 seconds to air dry it before attaching it to the submission form. We recommend swabbing different areas of the cat's cheeks.

4.

Cotton swabs taped to bar-coded submission form for VGL After swabbing the cheek and gums, tape the cotton swabs to the bar-coded submission form printed from your MyVGL account.

Type of Sample

Cotton Swab

Species

Cat

Breed

Bengal Birman Savannah Cat

Type of Panel

Coat Color and/or Type

Veterinary Genetics Laboratory